NUMS nutrition experts instructed students for two days on the subjects of “Importance of Breakfast” and “Healthy Eating: The Concept of My Plate.”
The National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) has taken the initiative to provide nutrition education sessions to schoolchildren in the twin cities as part of its drive to raise awareness and help improve their health, as 40.2 percent of children in Pakistan suffer from stunted growth.
Dr. Abdul Momin Rizwan Ahmed, the head of NUMS‘ Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, emphasised this on Sunday.
The department began education sessions at various schools in Rawalpindi and Islamabad after realising the dire state of nutrition indicators in Pakistan and the necessity of promoting nutrition education at the grassroots level.
The International School System, Roots International School, Great Maple School, United Charter School, and SLS Montessori School and College (PWD) all hosted these sessions, where NUMS nutrition experts instructed students for two days on the subjects of “Importance of Breakfast” and “Healthy Eating: The Concept of My Plate.”
These educational sessions were conducted in accordance with SDG-2 (Zero Hunger), SDG-3 (Good Health and Well-Being), and SDG-4 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (quality education). The twin cities’ schools will continue to host these training sessions, according to the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Department of Nutrition and Dietetics.
In Pakistan, 40.2 percent of children are stunted (lower height for age), 17.7 percent are wasting (lower weight for height), 28.9 percent are underweight (lower weight for age), and 9.5 percent are overweight, according to the National Nutrition Survey of Pakistan 2018–19.
These indicators call for immediate interventions to bring about a long-term change in the eating habits and dietary choices of the general population.
Schoolchildren were shown videos explaining the difference between healthy and junk foods during the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) education nutrition sessions. They were told about how the consumption of healthy and junk food affects their health.